Besucher der Schlossbeleuchtung auf der Nepomuk-Terrasse

Accompanying Program

On the event weekend, a varied accompanying program* awaits you at various locations in the heart of the Old Town:

Nepomuk Terrace

Beer Garden with panoramic views

At the northern end of the Old Bridge, a small beer garden invites visitors to linger. On Saturdays from 6:00 p.m., there will be acoustic live music by AkusTrio.

Opening hours:
11 July 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
12 July 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Note:
The Old Bridge will be closed from 4:00 p.m. due to preparations for the fireworks. From the Old Town side, pedestrians can reach the Nepomuk Terrace on the Neuenheim side via the weir (near Karlstorbahnhof).

Kornmarkt

Artisan and Goods Market

At Kornmarkt, you can explore an Artisan and Goods Market. 24 exhibitors invite you to browse a selection of handmade crafts, gift ideas, regional products, and special goods.

Opening hours:
July 11, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Further information

University Square

TOGGO Tour

Look forward to a colourful hands-on programme with interactive play stations, exciting stage shows, and popular TV characters from the TOGGO universe. Admission is free of charge.

Opening hours:
July 11 and 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. each day

Further Information

Bismarckplatz, Anatomy Garden, Riverside Area

Heidelberg Fairground Vendors

To set the mood for the event, fairground stands operated by Heidelberg showmen will already be available from Thursday at Bismarckplatz and Anatomiegarten in the Old Town, offering food and refreshments for visitors. On Saturday, additional stands will be located at the Neckar riverside area near Theodor-Heuss Bridge.

Opening hours:
July 9 – 12, 2026 (Bismarckplatz and Anatomiegarten)
Additionally on 11 July 2026 (Neckar riverside area)

Concert Hall Stadthalle Heidelberg

Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra of the Musikfreunde Heidelberg e.V.

The symphony concert is dedicated to the reopening of the Concert Hall Stadthalle Heidelberg and musically reflects its opening year of 1903. The Musikfreunde Heidelberg invite the audience on a musical journey back to this historic year.

Time:
July 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
The concert ends in time for the Castle Illumination.

Further Information and Tickets

Market Square

Concert for the Castle Illumination

During the “Hour of Church Music” the Church of the Holy Spirit will host a “Festive Concert for Trumpet and Organ” featuring trumpeter Robert Vanryne (London) and cantor Christoph Schäfer (Heidelberg) on the organ.

Time:
July 11, 2026, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.

Further Information and Tickets

*The listed programme items refer to the first event weekend in July. The accompanying programme for the Heidelberg Castle Illumination in September will be published below in due course.